Florida state Senate President Jeff Atwater and state House Speaker Ray Sansom have announced they support the re-election of state Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer, who has been criticized by some in the party over spending of party funds.

Greer faces a challenge from dissident candidate Eric Miller, a Martin County businessman, when the party elects its officers in January, but Miller doesn’t appear so far to have built up much traction for his bid. Miller represents the conservative side of the party, some of whom have been critical of Greer and his chief backer, Gov. Charlie Crist, who are considered moderates.

Crist, who chose Greer as his favored candidate for chairman after becoming governor in 2006, also supports Greer’s re-election.

Party dissidents have criticized use of funds for private jet travel, expensive hotel accommodations and other expenditures. Greer and his backers say some of the spending he’s being criticized for was necessary, and some was done by elected officials who have access to party funds.

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